Man quizzed over nursery attacks

A 20-year-old man is being questioned after two toddlers and a carer were stabbed to death by in a frenzied attack at a nursery in Belgium.

Ten other children, all under three, and two adults were also attacked and were recovering in hospitals from multiple stab wounds after the rampage in Dendermonde on Friday.

Police are still trying to establish a motive for the attack at the Fabeltjesland creche - which means in English, "the land of fables".

A man who is believed to have painted his face black and white apparently tricked his way into the nursery yesterday morning, then ran amok stabbing children and staff before escaping by bicycle.

Prosecutor Christian Du Four said a local man was arrested afterwards and was being held for questioning.

"He did not escape from a psychiatric institution. He was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs," he said, referring to reported rumours about the suspect.

Mr Du Four said the weapon had been found, describing it as a "large knife" about 12in long.

The deaths left Dendermonde, half an hour north west of Brussels, in shock. Members of the Belgian royal family have gone to the town to visit the scene and speak to emergency workers.

About 18 children, some just babes in arms, were at the creche when, police say, a man knocked on the door and was let in. He immediately produced knives and lashed out at the children - including those being held by staff at the day-care centre.

Police said the attacker, who was unknown at the creche, muttered: "I have a question," as he was let in the front door and then began lashing out with a knife.